title: Relation between neurological status, refractive error, and visual acuity in children: a clinical study.
abstract: The aims of the present study were: (1) to determine the refractive status and visual acuity of a group of 75 neurologically impaired children (5 to 192 months of age); and (2) to investigate the relation between the visual and neurological status of these children. Refractive error was determined using non-cycloplegic near retinoscopy and visual acuity was estimated using acuity cards (Keeler or Cardiff) and pattern-onset visual evoked potentials (VEP). Subjects demonstrated a markedly different distribution of refractive error from that of a neurologically normal age-matched population. Refractive error anomalies were more prevalent in children older than 5 years, suggesting abnormal refractive development. A wide range of visual acuity was found with both tests (acuity cards, 0.07 to 2.08 logMAR; VEP, O.78 to 2.68 logMAR). Visual acuity and refractive status varied with level and type of physical impairment. Level of intellectual impairment exhibited a weak relation with visual status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vision Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK.
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Mackie
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: McCulloch
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Day
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Dutton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity